Get to Know a Wedding Stationer: Little Dove Design

Today’s stationer interview is with Monika of Little Dove Design based in New York, NY! Enjoy:

How did you get started doing wedding invitations?

I started with my very own wedding invitation. I wanted something truly personal, that showed my own aesthetic and featured my love of paper and illustration. I later left a lofty career in advertising to pursue my passion for art and illustration and turn it into a business named Little Dove Design. I thrive on working with couples to create wedding suites that feel unique to them, make them happy and be something that will live on as a cherished keepsake.

Read the full interview after the cut!

What is your favorite color combination?

O00h, that is a hard one. I suppose it depends on what time of year you ask me that question. I tend to favor classic and timeless color choices. There was a large trend in neon, which I think is fun, but I feel that in years from now, we may look back on it the same way as you might a 1980’s day glow pink handbag. LOL! Trends come and go, but the color choices should reflect the tastes of the wedding couple and the overall feel of the event.

What is the most unique invitation you have designed?

One of my very favorite designs is my Woodland Winter wedding suite. I love designing custom work and went on location to the event site to get ideas and sketch. I understood the bride wanted to incorporate both a winter and woodland theme that reflected the beauty of Skylands Manor – the reception site. The Skylands castle is actually New Jersey’s own botanical garden.

I chose to use natural elements such as pine cones, evergreens, winterberries, tree branches and an original sketch of the castle itself for the wedding suite. To add another layer to this wintery feel, I chose silver ink, white metallic liners printed with snowflakes and a frosted white birch paper wrapper. All this was held together with a belly band encrusted with twinkling swarovski crystals. The envelopes were then sealed with silver wax carrying a snowflake motif. So much of this suite was meticulously hand done.

What made this wedding suite so unique was more in the form the challenges I had faced along the way. All of this was created and printed during Super Storm Sandy which ravished our shores here in New Jersey and left me without electricity for almost 3 weeks! Yes, it was nearly impossible to have this completed with no means of power. In the end, this came together as a beautiful wintery mix of nature and snow that reflected the event perfectly. So much so, that the day of the wedding New Jersey was hit with over 2 feet of snow! However, none of this stopped the merriment that was to follow and the sparkling blanket of snow created a magical backdrop for the days festivities.

Do you have a favorite typeface?

Yes, I have many. For scripts fonts I really do like Bickham. It is a true classic that is very legible and offers many alternate characters and swashes to get creative with. I like pairing different fonts together to give certain words and phrases room to stand out.

What is the most bizarre request you have received?

I am not sure if “bizarre” is an accurate word for this as many people often include their pets in their wedding. Our four legged friends are such a part of our family and our shared lives together. For one wedding, I incorporated the couple’s cat not only into the wedding invitations, but also the seating cards, table cards and program cover.

Ampersand or the word “and?”

I love ampersands and think they work well to add either a modern or fun twist to wedding invitations. That being said, I find myself more often using the word “and”. Most likely because it lends itself better to the more classic designs of many of my wedding invitations. I have some more designs I hope to debut this year, so perhaps you will see the ampersand make an appearance. And of course, I create custom invitations for all types of weddings and venues, so it just needs to feel right within the design.

Any advice for brides?

I know this is cliche, but relax, try not to stress and enjoy. Most importantly, remember it is YOUR special day, not anyone else’s. Do things that make you happy and have special meaning to you. Years from now, these will be your memories together as a couple. Try not to worry so much about other people. They are there to celebrate you! If you are having a wonderful time and enjoying yourself, they will too. Some of the most memorable weddings I have been to, were not always 100 percent perfect, but they were the most fun because the couple was having the time of their life. Happiness is contagious!!

Do you offer more than just stationery?

Unlike large wedding stationery firms, Little Dove Design is a boutique design studio — so we offer advice, a supportive ear and a bit of hand holding if wanted. I offer illustration services, ribbons, crystals and pretty much anything that would go well with stationery for both weddings, birth and other special events.